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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

A very special quilt

I know it's been a bit giveaway-crazy around these parts lately, so I wanted to step away from the book tours for a moment to share a very special quilt that I just finished up and bound over the weekend. If you've been reading my blog for a while then you've seen this quilt top before, but I recently received some news that was the motivation to finish it up and ship it off to its new home.

Me (guess which one?) and three of my closest cousins

I grew up extremely close with my extended family. Holidays, birthdays, and pretty much any major family event were all spent with my aunts, uncles, and cousins -- so much so that my cousins and I were closer than I believe most cousins tend to be. They're like my other brothers and sisters.

I always shared a special bond with one cousin who was only 5 months younger than me. When we were both in high school, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and began a battle to overcome the disease that lasted for several years. She went through more than any young person should have to go through, but emerged victorious with (to her credit) no interruption to her academic progress. She went on to graduate from the University of Notre Dame, build a successful career, and marry a great guy, and she never lost a bit of the beautiful light that shines so brightly inside of her.

Unfortunately, after several years of crystal clear test results, cancer has once again reared its ugly head in the life of my young cousin. Without going into too much detail, she has had to resume her fight with the disease at a very rapid pace and without too much time to prepare. One thing I know about her is that she's a fighter and my money's on her every time, though I wondered what I could possibly do at this time of need, from hundreds of miles away, to express my love and support. In short, to help.

We quilters know that the items we create can't cure a disease, or right a wrong, or solve the world's problems, but they can help. They can blanket someone in a hug when distance prevents a real hug from taking place. They can offer the gift of a small bit of oneself when it seems that nothing else can possibly make a difference.

I immediately knew that this quilt, so beautifully quilted by the fantastic Jackie Kunkel of Canton Village Quilt Works, was meant to be for my cousin. It's made from a mix of prints from Amy Butler's Midwest Modern collection. The quilt's generous use of pink is my subtle way of expressing that the quilt might, in some capacity, help my cousin once again conquer the cancer in her body.

The quilt is currently on its way to Connecticut to be with my cousin as she prepares for her second surgery in as many months. I hope she uses it and feels the love and warmth that it's meant to provide.

What a wonderful gift to give to your cousin. May she prevail in the fight! This has inspired me to set about making a quilt for my friend and her husband (He is fighting the same as the first form of cancer that you mentioned). Thanks for the inspiration!

1) The quilt top is gorgeous2) Tears are creeping up & threatening to give away that I'm sneaking a read of your blog in at work (shhhh!)3) Your first link (to another post of the quilt top) goes to Best Buy for iTunes cards... I don't think that's the example you're intending for this post... :)

I know this quilt will be a source of both comfort and support. It's lovely that you could use your own talents to create such a heartfelt gift. My hopes that all goes well and she finds continued strength.

It's a beautiful quilt, and while it may not cure the disease, it will surely help maintain that all important positive thinking as she faces this latest battle. Best wishes to you and your family, and hope your cousin is once again well soon

Your heartfelt gesture will be appreciated and welcomed, I'm sure. It's nice to extend yourself to her without asking, too. It will create a deeper bond that she can continue to count on. Sending all my positive juju.

There's nothing quite like a quilt to convey love and warmth--I'm sure she'll feel your "hug" every time she's wrapped in the quilt you made with her in mind♥ Wishing Love and light to conquer your cousin's cancer...

Beautiful quilt and stunning quilting. I know your cousin will feel that hug! I just recently made a siggy quilt which I had all members of the church write encouragement notes on for a gal who is battling cancer of the liver and I ment for it to be a big hug for her when she is in chemo treatments. I currently have a quilt on my longarm which I will be gifting to my friend with breast cancer. I will add your cousin to my prayers.

This is a beautiful thing to send someone going through such struggle. It is a beautiful quilt, but it will mean so much more to her knowing that you are supporting her and made it to help cope with her situation. Prayers are with you both!

What a wonderful and thoughtful gesture! Your cousin will feel 'hugged' by you every time she wraps herself up in your beautiful quilt. Nothing speaks love & support more than a gift from the heart...and your gift will touch her heart.

Thank you for sharing the wonderful quilt and it's story with us. I believe in the power of prayer, even long distance prayers. So prayers coming to you, your cousin and her family from our family here in the Washington DC area :)

I don't know what you do best. Write or Quilt. Your love of family threads thru your story gentle as a fine needle. I do not quilt but I love them. My VERY BFF made me a wonderful quilt as I started my treatment for Stage IV cancer. I am currenly in remission warmed and hugged from afar by my 'Stitched With Love' Quilt from her. Diane...Pittsburgh